A.D.A.M. Page 6

  Dr. Gordon stared at Mike. “NASA scientists are the ones talking about it in the context of other planets; it’s not just me. It’s presumptuous to think any other way.”

  Dr. Stolz nodded in disagreement. “I’m not so sure; before I weigh in on the matter, I need more hardcore evidence.”

  Ryan Lifford, a small-framed waiter with piercing steel-blue eyes, an unforgettable square jaw, and raven curly hair approached the foursome with a pitcher of water as another waiter brought the second round of cocktails.

  Dr. Gordon took the last sip of her water. “How much more evidence do you need than a microbe that thrives off of arsenic?”

  Ryan refilled Dr. Gordon’s and Dr. Stolz’s empty water glasses and briskly strolled away.

  Martha pursed her lips as she grabbed her almost empty water glass and took a sip. “I guess I’m not worthy of a free water refill.”

  “Maybe he thinks you’ve had enough.” Michael flashed a thin-lipped grin.

  Dr. Stolz cleared his throat and sipped his water. “How much more evidence do we need?” He sipped his water again. “Besides the microbe team members who were murdered, our samples that were confiscated, and Dr. Bradford currently held against her will by the FBI. I think that should wrap this up with a pretty bow.”

  Dr. Gordon thrummed her fingers onto the crisp-white tablecloth. “It is rather disturbing. Personally, I think Dr. Bradford is in serious trouble. With the death of her husband and Dr. Peterson, that is two deaths of people who worked closely at her side. One has to think she may be involved.” She took another sip of her water.

  “Frankly, I find it all a bit bizarre and disturbing.” Mike brushed his fingers through his thinning gray hair.

  Dr. Stolz took a deep breath as sweat beaded above his lip. “This entire concept has Martha more than concerned.” He coughed, took a sip of water, and wiped his lips with his napkin.

  Martha took an exasperated deep breath. “I think my level of concern is warranted, darling. It could be either one of you next.”

  Dr. Gordon nodded and took a sip of water. “We need not dwell on the topic of murder during lunch.”

  “Here! Here!” Michael raised his cocktail glass.

  “Indeed.” Dr. Gordon raised her glass. “Let’s toast to the discovery of a new life form. To A.D.A.M.”

  The group picked up their cocktail glasses to make a toast.

  “To A.D.A.M.!” The foursome clinked their glasses and sipped their cocktails.

  Martha’s brow creased. “I still don’t understand how something can live and grow in an arsenic environment. That’s so poisonous.”

  Dr. Gordon wiped the small beads of sweat from her brow and took several short breaths. “It’s not all that improbable. Arsenic is a chemical analog of phosphorus that consequently lies directly below ‘P’ on the periodic table.”

  Both Dr. Gordon and Dr. Stolz choked and wheezed with labored breaths. Both spouses glanced at them concerned.

  Ryan stood across the room near the kitchen and observed the interaction with the stare of a predator.

  Still choking, Dr. Gordon widened his eyes as his face turned red. “Phosphorus.” He coughed. “Phosphorus is the most common form…” He gagged.

  Both Dr. Gordon and Dr. Stolz breaths developed erratically, their eyes bulged, and blood dripped from their nostrils as sweat beaded across their foreheads.

  Michael quickly jumped from his seat toward his wife to aid her. “Call nine, one, one!” A fierce scowl of determination etched his face.

  Martha grabbed her purse, retrieved her cellphone, and frantically dialed. Chaos prevailed at the table as all other patrons showed extreme concern.

  Ryan quickly disappeared into the kitchen as Dr. Stolz’s, and Dr. Gordon’s heads slammed onto their plates.

  The sunset soon faded to darkness over Dr. Bradford’s home as an unmarked government vehicle parked across the street. Agent Morrison’s black SUV, still parked in the driveway, provided a make-shift security barrier to any who dare to cross it.

  Dr. Bradford lay in her bed in the dark tossing one way and then flipping to another charged with a battle of stares. She sat upright, grabbed a glass from her nightstand, and gulped her water. After she slammed the glass back onto the nightstand, she eased out of bed.

  “Dr. Bradford, is everything all right?” Agent Turner tapped twice on the outer door.

  Slowly, Dr. Bradford slipped her feet into her fluffy house shoes, shuffled to her door, and opened it. “How long have you been standing there?”

  Agent Turner glanced at her Rolex watch. “Two hours and forty-five minutes.”

  “Why on earth would you do that?”

  “It’s my job to keep you safe.”

  “Your job is not to stalk me while I’m sleeping. Nothing is going to happen to me.”

  “Your safety, whether your asleep or awake, is my top priority. I can’t protect you if I’m not near you.”

  “Please give me my space. I’ll scream if someone tries to come through my bedroom window. I promise you that.”

  “That won’t be necessary, we’ve established perimeter alerts at all entrances and windows. No one will enter this house without us knowing it.”

  “Somehow I’m not comforted by that fact. Just give me my space and my privacy, or do I need to alert you when I need to pee in the middle of the night?”

  “Dr. Bradford, you don’t like me very much, do you?”

  “Honestly, I don’t. I don’t like what you do or what you represent.”

  “Well, if it means anything to you, I respect you. I only want you to be safe.”

  Dr. Bradford slammed her door. “You can stand there all night if you want. I don’t give a damn anymore.” She grabbed a vase from the dresser and heaved it towards the window that shattered it into pieces when it crashed against it. “How do you like standing out there now?”

  The perimeter alarm blared.

  CHAPTER 4 – LIFE

  The sun rose over Dr. Bradford’s house as she made Community Coffee whiffing the aroma. She put a piece of cinnamon raisin bread into the toaster. As she waited, she grabbed the newspaper and read the headline -- “NAET Extraction Team Getting Extracted.”

  Agent Morrison entered. “Good morning, Dr. Bradford. I trust you slept undisturbed last night after your encounter with the vase.”

  “Where’s your sidekick?” Her tone in challenging contempt caught the agent’s attention.

  “She’ll return in a bit.”

  “You don’t have to stay; I’ll be fine.” A wince of dread flickered across her lips.

  “I have my orders.”

  “What boogie man have you heard of who comes out to play during morning coffee?”

  “I received clearance for your schedule. You can attend your lecture today in Kenner, and your television appearance as long as you don’t leave our sight.”

  “Great news. At least I’m not a prisoner in my own home. I’m feeling housebound and need a change in environment.”

  Rebecca ran through the news desk area at KWNC carrying her laptop, a messenger’s bag, and her cellphone. She briskly strode to Patrick’s desk as he edited his next newscast’s video.

  She slammed her fist onto his desk. “Is it true? Two more researchers are dead?”

  “Afraid so.”

  “Why didn’t you call me first thing this morning?”

  “You’re the top-notch journalist. You should’ve known that already. Ever heard of police scanners?”

  “Give me the details.”

  “CSI speculate poisoning. The authorities have not arrested anyone in this case. They are analyzing the trace evidence as we speak.”

  “That leaves three extraction team members alive, and one of them is today’s guest on our show.”

  “Our ratings will skyrocket.” Patrick proudly beamed.

  “You make me sick. People are dying, and the only thing you care about is our ratings?”

  “Ratings are everything. If we
don’t have high ones, we get canceled. You would do well to remember that as you’re a large part of that we.”

  “Thanks for the unsolicited advice.”

  The Ruby Café, a small and quaint morning breakfast spot, filled up quickly. A red and white striped awning highlighted the outdoor seating area. Jessica sat at a bistro table in the corner nervously biting her lower lip. Her eyes darted, her crossed leg flung back and forth, and her breaths became short. Her eyes anxiously darted as she surveyed all tables to identify anyone who seemed suspicious.

  Ryan, the waiter, approached and refilled Jessica’s coffee mug as Rebecca cautiously entered glancing over her shoulder as she sat.

  Jessica flashed a worried grin at Ryan. “Please bring her a cup as well.”

  “Of course, that’s what I do.” He nodded and proceeded to the serving station to the left. An expression of pure malice trickled across his chapped lips.

  Rebecca took a deep breath as she adjusted her chair’s distance closer to the table. “Anyone, follow you?”

  “I’m not a spy or anything, but I don't think so. I didn’t see anyone I recognized if that means something.”

  Giles stood across the street on the corner observing Jessica and Rebecca.

  “Good. Dr. Bradford is relying on you. If she ever needed her family, it’s now.”

  Ryan approached with a coffee cup and coffee pot. The girls stopped talking and smiled at each other until he left.

  A scowl crossed Jessica’s forehead. “We’re in big trouble this time, aren’t we?”

  “If you mean more trouble than when you stole Dad’s suburban and wrecked it? Then, yes.”

  Ryan returned to the table with a small pad and a pen. “Are you ready to place your order?” He forced an exaggerated grin.

  The girls hushed and smiled at Ryan.

  Jessica’s eyes widened. “Nothing for me. Just coffee.”

  “Same here.”

  “Would either of you care for a glass of water?” Ryan refilled their coffee cups and waited on the answer.

  “No, thank you, coffee is fine.” Rebecca retrieved her hot coffee and blew across it.

  “Wait!” Jessica touched Rebecca’s forearm. “It’s scorching. It is lawsuit worthy hot.”

  Rebecca blew across the steaming hot coffee and then set it down. “I see what you mean.”

  Jessica’s eyes widened again. “So, what’s the plan?”

  “I’m not sure what this means, but Dr. Bradford made me promise to deliver this message to you.”

  “Why didn’t she tell me herself? I just spoke with her last night on the phone. I’m so confused because she always tells me everything.”

  A Hummer pulled up slowly, came to a stop, and then parked in front of the cafe. Spike, an intensely-focused-hulky-sinister guy, exited the vehicle and sprinted toward Giles.

  “Listen, Jessica. Her instructions said for you to bring FRAC to her house.”

  “How can I? They took everything.”

  “All I know is what she told me.”

  “What were her exact words? You know, sometimes we speak in code.”

  “She said, FRAC is in the same place where you always hid your diary.”

  Rebecca noticed the Hummer. “I’ve got to go. It’s too dangerous for us. Do exactly what Dr. Bradford told you to do and nothing else.” She bolted without saying goodbye.

  Jessica picked up her coffee to take a drink just as the patron who sat next to her accidentally spilled his hot coffee onto his lap. He jumped back, knocking the cup from Jessica’s hands, spilling the hot liquid all over the front of her shirt.

  “Hot! Hot! Ouch!” Jessica danced as if fire ants covered her body. “Hot! Newsworthy hot!”

  Across the street, Giles and Spike greeted each other with a handshake only known to them. Spike retrieved a cigarette and lit it as the smoke lifted toward the sky. He took a puff. “What’s next?”

  “It’s going down at the conference today. Make yourself scarce. We’ll contact you.”

  Giles held out his hand as if he expected payment. He tried to camouflage his wince of pain.

  Spike reached into his black leather jacket, retrieved an envelope from the inner pocket, and handed it to him.

  Giles felt the thickness of the envelope between his index finger and thumb. “Seems light, don’t you think?”

  “You’ll have to take that up with the boss. Not my problem.” He faked an expression of endless impatience.

  The conference hall at the Pontchartrain Convention Center in Kenner, Louisiana, filled quickly. Upfront, the podium, a table with seven chairs and a large projection screen behind them that displayed -- “N.A.E.T. THIRD ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON ASTROBIOLOGY” awaited the honored guests and speakers for the day’s conference. A nameplate reserved each empty chair for the N.A.E.T. members that included Dr. Sandra Bradford, Dr. Melissa Murdock, Dr. Henry Samuelson, Dr. Peck, Dr. Peterson, and Dr. Stolz. The deceased N.A.E.T. Team members nameplates had a black ribbon attached.

  The deceased spouses, Michael Gordon, Martha Stolz, and Valarie Charlene Peterson sat solemnly in the front row, each wearing a black ribbon on their lapel matching the ones on their spouse’s nameplate. Agents Morrison and Turner stoically sat next to them.

  Dr. Murdock, age sixty, Dr. Bradford and Dr. Samuelson entered from stage left wearing the black lapel ribbons as well. As Dr. Samuelson approached the podium, the other two sat in their designated seats.

  Dr. Murdock leaned over to Dr. Bradford. “They have us mixed up. As the featured speaker, you’re supposed to sit next to the podium.”

  “Does it matter?”

  “Yes, it’s professional protocol.”

  They quickly switched places, and Dr. Murdock immediately exchanged the nameplates to match the new seating arrangement.

  Dr. Samuelson glanced at his colleagues, providing the necessary time for them to settle, and then addressed the conference attendees. “Welcome to the N.A.E.T. Third Annual Conference on Astrobiology. This year’s theme ‘The Search for Life’ has a major impact on the scientific community and for humanity. Our nation’s future is now filled with the potential for discoveries and the vision for space travel as we have reached milestones, which were once only a dream. We have gone to the outer limits of space, landed on asteroids, sent a mission to the Trappist system, and private businesses are preparing to send a crew to Mars. On behalf of the United States Government, NASA, the Department of Defense, and the National Astrobiological Extraction Team, I proudly announce the commencement of the conference. Please welcome to the podium, Dr. Melissa Murdock.”

  Dr. Murdock stood as the crowd thunderously applauded. She approached the podium as the crowd silenced, and all eyes focused on her. She took a deep breath and made eye contact with the spouses of her deceased colleagues. “With each new scientific discovery, humanity becomes more unique as we isolate our DNA to the molecular level. We stretch our imaginations. We develop and create new goals. Most importantly, discoveries bring new effervescent enthusiasm to our scientific collective.”

  Rebecca and George entered the conference area and caught Agent’s Morrison’s attention.

  Dr. Murdock took a sip of water and continued her speech. “Up until several weeks ago, the scientific community did not conceive life could exist in the presence of arsenic.” As the image on the screen behind her changed to a picture of the microbe, Dr. Murdock continued her speech. “This new bacterium strain GFAJ-1, that we discovered in Mono Lake, California may have profound evolutionary and geochemical significance for humanity.”

  Giles entered the conference room and sat in the back row.

  Dr. Murdock pointed to the large screen. “This discovery brings with it a new scientific collective. Today we are all here to discuss the arsenic driven microbe we refer to as A.D.A.M. When you consider the recent findings, it is evident the scientific community did not know an alien life form existed here on earth. A life form with unique DNA composition almost identical to our own. T
his distinguished panel has gathered to discuss the significance of our findings and the ramifications for life as we know it for generations who will follow on our path.”

  Agent Morrison leaned over to Agent Turner. “I thought Dr. Bradford’s assistant was going to be here?”

  “Me too. She’s a strange one for sure.”

  Anthony’s Pet Shop provided the mainstay for the small shopping center in Kenner, Louisiana. As Jessica drove her small compact car into the parking lot, she noticed the huge banner hung that announced, “Adoption Day.” Jessica bolted from the car and ran into the entrance. Once inside, she scanned the area.

  A young salesclerk approached. “Welcome to Anthony’s. Are you ready to find your forever pet?”

  “Well, kinda. Kinda sorta; but, not really.” Jessica continued to study the area and the aisle signs.”

  “Can I help you find something?”

  “Do you have African Albino frogs?”

  “Cute, aren’t they?”

  “A little creepy; but, do you have any?”

  “This way.” The salesclerk strode toward the right back corner. “If you think they’re creepy, why look at them?”

  “Oh, the frogs aren’t for me. My boss is infatuated with them. She has three already but needs a new tank. They outgrew theirs.”

  “Albino dwarfs don’t grow larger than an inch; so, it’s doubtful they outgrew a tank.”

  Jessica’s eyes widened as she gulped. “No, that’s not it. She wants a bigger tank so they won't be so crowded. You know, a nice new big water condo.”

  “What size does she have now?”

  “Not sure, it’s round, small and has living rock or something like that in the middle.”

  The two arrived at the aquariums.

  “We have several sizes. Let me show you, and you can decide the size that best fits your specification for their new water condo.”

  Jessica pointed to a biosphere on the top shelf. “Oh, oh, see that one. That’s the size she has right now. We need the next size or two up.”